Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States

Our Journey of the Wilderness


print Print  |  send Send to a friend  |  bookmark Bookmark  |   |   |  back Back

Many times I wonder and I pray what is my purpose in life. So God answered and said everyone has a job to do and purpose to achieve before He comes back to me and if he did his job with honesty and integrity he will deserve to be with Me. Therefore strive every single day for you never know when the end of your life will be.

"The light of the wicked indeed goes out, and the flame of his fire does not shine. The light is dark in his tent, and his lamp beside him is put out. The steps of his strength are shortened, and his own counsel cast him down, for he is cast to the net by his own feet, and he walks into snare" (Job 18:5-8).

The wicked man will journey alone across the desert and will poorly prepare for his journey and under estimate his needs. What kind of a risk is he taking on? Defiantly he will put his life in risk.

Life on earth is like a wilderness that without preparing for it and diligently maintaining our relationship with God, we will end up in risk of losing our eternity.

"Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He comes forth like a flower and fades away; he flees like a shadow and does not continue" (Job 14:1-2).

Ask an old man in his old age how he feels about life? He will say that life in the beginning felt like many years ahead but as it went on it began to feel very short and so quickly passes by like a twinkle of an eye.

We all seem to forget how days go by so fast and instead of preparing our lives diligently and eagerly we get occupied with every day routines and we ignore to see the motive behind why we are here for such a short time?

Our life is not forever. It is for a short time and the idea is our journey of life is necessary to strengthen us and mature us to be a better human being, and better understanding of the knowledge about God and what is awaiting us after life.

God created the world for us in order to teach us many lessons before we reach the life in the true eternity. God wants to let us experience love, humility, cooperation, kindness, care for each other, endurance, perseverance, etc. in order to decide our destiny with our own free will.

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil" (Ephesians 6:10-11).

Satan can play a big role by trying to confuse us and give us the illusion that this is all of the joy and wonder that we are going to get so we better grab it before it is too late. The consequence of that is we grow fearful, lonely, restless, miserable, and full of anxiety due to our self-reliant and stubbornness.

For without putting on the whole armor of God at all times we are not able to protect ourself and endure with joy and gladness. Or in the middle of the wilderness we can see a mirage and think it is real and we start to seek it and run after it. Then we become just as the Israelites who spent 40 years wondering around without purpose without understanding that God is the one that you need to follow Him to safety. And when finally they came to that understanding, they began to see the promise land. God is the only one who can save us from our wilderness and Satan’s hand.

Do not be afraid and lose hope but fight for your life and flee from evil and run to the only one who can save you and protect you and give you the hope and strength to go on with peace and harmony.

Now the real question you should be asking yourself. What is the wilderness like for me?

If the wilderness is a place that you want live in and flourish and consider it your own, then you are deceiving yourself and you are in the state of confusion and not realizing that if you cling to the wilderness you will surely die from hunger and thirst. But if the wilderness is considered a temporary life, you will be much more focused about your spirituality and how to reach eternity.

What is the will of God for me?

  • God loves each one of us and wishes to give everything He has to you and let you enjoy eternity with Him. Do not look too far. God is our way out, He will pave the road out of His blood for you will never lose or miss the road to your salvation. Obedience and submission are needed in order to follow Him. Trusting ourselves and our abilities will lead us to death. God is the only way out for our salvation.

  • Saving others whom are away, lost, and confused by the journey of life for God wants you to bring them along with you so you can complete your purpose in life and bring joy to God’s heart.

"Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor" (John 12:24-26).

Therefore be ready to cross the wilderness with all your armor of God in order to pass and follow God to eternity. And strengthen yourself with His words and wisdom so you can be fruitful in bringing others with you.

Written by
Nagwa Abdou


print Print  |  send Send to a friend  |  bookmark Bookmark  |   |   |  back Back